Writers Guild Pact Negotiations Continue

Scriptwriters and movie studios will continue negotiating a new contract this week. Both sides officially are sticking to a news blackout on any progress, but they reportedly remain far apart. Talks started Jan. 22. Writers want more money when their work airs on foreign TV channels, on cable TV, on the Internet, and when videocassettes and DVDs are sold. They also want expanded “creative rights,” such as more access to film sets and limits on the awarding of “A film by” credit routinely given directors. Studios contend that their profits are being squeezed by high costs. The Writers Guild of America’s existing contract with the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers expires May 2.